The Lahore High Court has dismissed cricketer Mohammad Rizwan’s petition challenging the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency’s (NCCIA) inquiry into allegations related to online betting and gambling.
Chief Justice Lahore High Court Justice Aalia Neelum issued the written judgment on Rizwan’s petition.
According to the judgment, the NCCIA is investigating Rizwan in connection with alleged online betting and gambling. The government lawyer told the court that the matter falls under Section 14 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, which deals with obtaining an unlawful financial benefit.
The court said the relevant agency should be allowed to continue its inquiry at this stage. It noted that the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-Corruption Code does not prevent state authorities from taking action under applicable criminal or regulatory laws.
The judgment said the NCCIA inquiry was neither beyond its jurisdiction nor motivated by bad faith. It added that a call-up notice does not itself constitute an accusation of a crime.
The court directed Rizwan to join the inquiry and cooperate with the NCCIA. However, it instructed the agency not to harass or unnecessarily inconvenience him and to conduct the investigation strictly according to law.
Rizwan can seek legal remedy if he has objections to the inquiry’s final outcome. He may also approach the relevant court for the return of any items seized or taken into possession during the investigation.
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